7 Reasons You Should Get A Used Car Inspection Right Now
If you're in the market for a used car, you might be wondering if you really need to get an inspection. After all, it's an extra cost and it can take some time. But trust us, getting a used car inspection is always worth it. Here are seven reasons why:
Avoid buying a lemon
We've all heard horror stories about people who buy a used car only to find out later that it has major mechanical issues. Getting a pre-purchase inspection can help you avoid this nightmare scenario by identifying any potential problems before you hand over your hard-earned cash.
Get peace of mind
Once you've bought a used car, it can be tough to shake the feeling that you made a mistake. But if you've had it inspected by a professional, you can rest assured knowing that everything is in good working order.
Save money in the long run
Even if an inspection turns up some minor issues, it's better to know about them now so you can budget for repairs down the road. Ignoring problems will only make them worse and more expensive to fix later on.
Make sure the car is safe
A used car inspection isn't just about making sure the engine runs well; it's also about making sure the brakes are in good condition and that there are no safety recalls on the vehicle. Don't risk your safety by skipping this important step!
Know what you're getting into
If you're not mechanically inclined, an inspection can give you a better understanding of what type of shape the car is really in. This knowledge will come in handy when negotiating price and determining whether or not to buy the vehicle.
Get an expert opinion
Even if you are mechanically inclined, it's always helpful to have a second set of eyes take a look at the car before you buy it. An experienced inspector will likely spot things that you would miss, so it's worth paying for this service.
Have something to fall back on later
Let's say you do end up buying a lemon despite getting an inspection—if you have documentation from the inspection, you may be able to get some compensation from the seller or manufacturer down the road. So hang onto those papers!
Conclusion:
As you can see, there are many good reasons to get a used car inspection before making a purchase. Don't let anyone talk you out of it just like a test drive with a used or new car it's always worth the time and money to have peace of mind and avoid buying a lemon during the car buying process!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a used car inspection cost?
Prices vary depending on the inspector and the vehicle, but you can expect to pay around $100 for a basic inspection.
How long does an inspection take?
Again, this varies depending on the inspector and the vehicle, but most inspections can be done in about an hour.
Who should I use for an inspection?
There are many qualified inspectors out there, but make sure to choose someone who is experienced and reputable. Ask for recommendations from friends or family who have had their own inspection, or look for online reviews.
What should an inspection include?
At a minimum, the vehicle's condition should check the vehicle's engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and tires. The inspector should also look for any signs of damage or wear and tear and provide a written report.
Do I need to be there for the inspection?
It's not required, but it's a good idea to be present for the inspection so you can ask questions and get a better understanding of the condition of the vehicle.
What if the inspection turns up problems?
If serious problems are found, you may want to consider walking away from the deal. But if the issues are minor, you can use them to negotiate a lower price or get the seller to agree to make repairs.
Should I get an inspection even if I'm buying from a dealer?
Yes! Even if you're buying from a reputable dealership, it's always a good idea to get an inspection. After all, you're making a big purchase, so you want to be absolutely sure that you're getting what you're paying for.
Why is a used car inspection important?
A used car inspection is important because it can help you avoid buying a lemon. It's also a good way to get an expert opinion on the condition of the vehicle and to understand what type of repairs may be needed down the road.
Will a used car inspection tell me if the car has been in an accident?
An inspection can sometimes reveal evidence of previous accidents, but it's not always foolproof. If you're concerned that the vehicle may have been in an accident, you can also order a vehicle history report, which will show any reported accidents.
What if the seller doesn't want me to get an inspection?
If the seller is reluctant to allow an inspection, it's probably best to walk away from the deal. They may be trying to hide something, and it's not worth taking the risk.
What can I do if the dealer refuses to budge on price after an inspection?
If you're not happy with the dealer's offer after an inspection, you can try negotiating based on the specific repairs that are needed. You can also walk away from the deal—remember, you don't have to buy the car just because you had it inspected!
If I'm buying a car from out of state, can I still get it inspected?
Yes, you can! You can either have the car inspected with a local mechanic in the state where you're making the purchase, or you can have a mobile inspection. Either way, make sure to choose an experienced and reputable inspector to perform inspections on the old car you're interested in.
What if I'm not happy with the results of the inspection?
If you're not happy with the results of the professional inspection, you can always walk away from the deal. Remember, an inspection is meant to give you peace of mind—if it doesn't do that, then it's not worth it.
What if the car is not up to inspection standards?
In that case, the car owner would need to get the problems fixed and then take the car back for a retest. If it still doesn't pass, the owner may have to make some repairs or adjustments before the car can be registered.
What if the inspector finds something wrong with the car?
If the inspector finds something wrong with the car, the owner will likely be required to make some repairs or adjustments before the car can be registered. Depending on the severity of the issue, it's possible that the car may not pass inspection and would have to be fixed before being driven on public roads.
What if the car doesn't meet safety standards?
If the car doesn't meet safety standards, the owner may have to make some repairs or adjustments before the car can be registered. Depending on the severity of the issue, it's possible that the car may not pass inspection and would have to be fixed before being driven on public roads.
What if the car isn't roadworthy?
A car that isn't roadworthy is one that has major mechanical problems or is not currently safe to drive and your insurance company may not insure it due to the condition of the car. Used cars that don't pass inspection may fall into this category, as may cars with significant damage from an accident. If a car isn't roadworthy, it's illegal to drive on public roads.
What if the car has been in an accident?
It's illegal to drive a car that has been in an accident on public roads. If the car was in a major accident, it may not be roadworthy and would have to be fixed before being driven on public roads.
What if the car has been modified?
It's illegal to drive a car that has been modified on public roads. Cars that have been modified may not meet safety standards or may be unsafe to drive. Depending on the severity of the modifications, it's possible that the car may not pass inspection and would have to be fixed before being driven on public roads.
What if the car is a lemon?
A lemon is a car that has major mechanical problems or is not currently safe to drive. Cars that don't pass inspection may fall into this category, as may cars with significant damage from an accident. If a car is a lemon, it's illegal to drive on public roads.
What if the car is stolen?
It's illegal to drive a car that has been stolen on public roads. If the car is reported stolen, the police may stop and arrest the driver.
What if the VIN doesn't match the car?
If the VIN (vehicle identification number) on the car doesn't match the exact car VIN number on the title, it's likely that the car is stolen. The manufacturer's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-digit code that identifies a specific motor vehicle. The VIN is usually stamped onto a metal plate or sticker that's affixed to the dashboard on the driver's side of the car, and can also be found on other areas of the car such as the engine block, door posts or chassis.
What if the car is not registered?
If a car is not registered, it's illegal to drive it on the road. In most states, driving an unregistered car can result in fines and even imprisonment. You can check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to find out more about the registration requirements in your area.
What if the car is not insured?
In order to avoid breaking the law, make sure your car is always insured before driving it on the road. Depending on your state's requirements, not having insurance can result in serious penalties like fines or jail time. You can learn more about what is required of you by checking your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.